Core concept · measured evidence

Measurement evidence

Postdom preserves platform values, observation time, availability state, and evidence limits without converting missing data into zero.

Evidence distinction

Value semantics

NUMERIC ZERO0

Measured nothing

A platform supplied numeric evidence whose value is zero. Keep the zero.

NULL VALUE—

No supported value

No evidence-backed numeric value was returned. Preserve null and inspect availability.

Modeled evidence

Availability states

Every modeled field has one availability state. A reason is guaranteed only for never and unverified.

Expected value

available

The platform is expected to expose the field. A null may still have no reason.

Expected later

delayed(2-3d)

The platform may expose the field after the stated delay.

Derivable evidence

estimable

Evidence could support a derived value. Postdom does not promise that computation exists.

Platform absence

never

The platform does not expose the field. Null includes an explicit reason.

Evidence pending

unverified

Availability lacks verification. Null includes an explicit reason.

Labeled example

Example snapshot

This excerpt shows a real zero beside an unverified null. The post ID, timestamp, and values are synthetic.

EXAMPLE READ · CONFIGURED TOOL SCHEMA

get_performance({
  post_id: "post_example_08"
})

// Example response excerpt
{
  "post_id": "post_example_08",
  "performance": [{
    "platform": "tiktok",
    "captured_at": "2026-09-01T10:00:00Z",
    "views": 0,
    "saves": null,
    "availability": {
      "views": {
        "state": "available",
        "reason": null
      },
      "saves": {
        "state": "unverified",
        "reason": "tiktok.saves is unverified; no evidence-backed value is available yet."
      }
    }
  }]
}

Agent response

Measurement handoff

available

Preserve evidence

Return the supplied number and observation time. Preserve a null when no value arrives.

delayed(2-3d)

Retry later

Keep null distinct from zero, then retry after the evidence window.

estimable

Avoid invention

Do not calculate a value unless a supported computation and required evidence exist.

never · unverified

Explain absence

Return null with the supplied availability state and reason.

Publish eligibility

A post that failed before any measurable destination publish is ineligible for performance. Return publish_failed instead of inventing a snapshot.